South Portland teenager arrested on drug charges after high-speed chase

SOUTH PORTLAND — Police were led on a high-speed chase early Wednesday morning while investigating a suspicious vehicle in Ferry Village.

As a result, the 18-year-old driver, Zachary Burns, was arrested on multiple charges, including operating under the influence of drugs and trafficking marijuana.

Shortly before 1 a.m., police were called to investigate a vehicle near Sawyer and Crescent streets with its brake lights on and the driver allegedly slumped over the steering wheel.

Lt. Frank Clark said in a press release that when police made contact with the driver he fled north on Sawyer at a high rate of speed, and turned left on Front Street.

The chase ended when Burns reportedly lost control and struck two parked vehicles and a utility pole at Pine and High streets.

During the investigation, police reportedly found 2.6 ounces of marijuana and what officers suspected was a psilocybin mushroom in the car.

Burns was transported to Maine Medical Center in Portland, where he was examined and subsequently released with minor injuries. He was arrested and booked at Cumberland County Jail on charges of OUI drugs, eluding a police officer, driving to endanger, refusing to submit to arrest or detention, and trafficking marijuana.

Clark said the case will be forwarded to the Cumberland County district attorney for review and prosecution.